Next time you're out and about in the North East and are feeling a bit peckish, you might fancy trying something a little different - and these businesses are always bringing something new to parts of the region.
Not only are we spoiled for choice when it comes to the restaurants and cafes that the North East has to offer, but there are many other food vendors who have made a name for themselves travelling around to serve up their unique dishes. Whether it's fresh pizza or a smoky burger you're after, or perhaps something on the sweet side like crepes, churros or cakes, you're bound to enjoy what these pop-ups have to offer - as long as you know where to find them.
With the region’s bustling markets offering up the best of the North East’s world-class independent food scene, there are countless local businesses out there that you can catch on their travels. Here are just ten food vans and pop-up stalls to look out for that make regular appearances around the region.
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Savoury
If you’re after some hearty grub while out and about in the North East, one of these vans will have you covered - and they all offer something different. First up is Flying Pigz BBQ, a “smokehouse on the move” dishing up the likes of burgers, pulled pork and chicken wings from their van that has most recently stopped off at Lintz Cricket Club in Newcastle, Haltwhistle’s Brew Bar and The Barking Dog in Wallsend.
Meanwhile, the Log Fire Pizza company food truck serves - yes, you guessed it - fresh pizza with more than a dozen types of topping, and makes regular appearances at Sunderland ’s Barnes Park, Redhead Park in South Shields, Hebburn and Marsden Bay. If pasta is more your thing, track down Redheads Mac ‘N’ Cheese - as well as now having a permanent home in the Grainger Market, they also appear at Newcastle’s weekly Quayside Market and regularly attend other food festivals and markets across the region.
Other touring food vans bring different flavours from around the world to the North East. A couple of highlights are Cubano, who serve Cuban-inspired street food and now also have a home in the Grainger Market, and Tandoori Naan Hut whose most recent stop-offs include Whitley Bay and The Grey Horse in Consett - menu highlights range from loaded naans to masala fries.
Sweet
If you’re more in the mood for something sweet, there are plenty more mouth-watering food vendors to find across the region. Durham-based Scoops ‘N’ Smiles Ice Cream travel across the North East in a 1950s retro ice cream van providing the perfect summer treats, and stop by fairs and festivals as well as catering private events.
Those who love a fresh crepe filled with gooey goodness will want to seek out mobile creperie FlipnFast, who offer both sweet and savoury crepes that are 100% vegan and gluten-free - they have recently appeared at festivals in Cumbria, Stockton-on-Tees and Seaham. Or if you can never get enough cake, check out Bake for the Soul who serve up their freshly baked treats at Morpeth Farmers’ Market, Northumberlandia Food Market, and the Makers and Bakers Market in Cramlington to name a few.
If you haven’t exhausted your sweet tooth yet, there are more touring food vendors to check out - take a look at where Simply Cheesecake is stopping off at next, having recently taken up residence at Seaham Food Festival and running permanent spots at the Jesmond and Quayside Markets, or pop into their Gateshead shop. And finally, keep an eye out for Doughvine Desserts to try “the best churros and funnel cakes in town” - their unmissable red and yellow van is currently stationed at Dalton Park shopping centre in Seaham, and they recently catered for festival-goers at Newcastle’s LooseFest.
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